Direct distribution of natural resource revenues as a policy for peacebuilding

This chapter examines direct distribution of natural resource revenues as an element in post-conflict peacebuilding. Direct distribution, a radical proposal that has been put fully into practice in only one place—the U.S. state of Alaska—represents a fundamental shift in the management of revenues from natural resources: from financing government spending (or the enrichment of government officials) to funding regular cash payments to the population at large. Nevertheless, it is gaining increasing attention as a possible means of addressing the negative consequences of extractive resource dependence. The question is whether such a policy should be included among the tools used to establish and maintain peace in post-conflict societies.